Each month, we will feature noteworthy and important artists from the film, music, literature, athletics, community and politics world for your review.

ORQUESTRA DEL SOL - They are a PHAT and hard-hitting Japanese Latin/salsa group formed in 1978 by Masahito "Pecker" Hashida (vocal/percussionist). They are an eleven piece band, containing two male vocal/percussionists, one pianist, one bass player, three percussionists, two trumpet players and two saxophone players. First album was released in 1981 and their last one is listed on the left. In November 1995, ORQUESTA DEL SOL appeared on the stages for "The 35th Anniversary Event for Sister City Relationship between New York City and Tokyo " at Tribeca Performing Arts Center, New York. For further information, visit HERE.

HOKU HO - Born in 1982 and raised in Oahu Hawaii, the 17 year-old, whose father is the well known Don Ho (who is of Hawaiian, Chinese, and White ancestry), was actually "discovered" on an island tour of Maui by singer/songwriter Antonia Armato (Mariah Carey, Vanessa Williams) who penned "Another Dumb Blonde" - the song on the "Snow Day" soundtrack. Her influences (since she comes from a wealthy part-Hawaiian family - her mom, Patricia Swallie Choy, is white (- and schooled at a very elite proviate girl's school in Hawaii, will be of many issues of culture and political values) include Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion to today's hitmakers, Smash Mouth and Sugar Ray. Many people feel that Hoku (Named after the Hawaiian word for "star") is representative of modern day Hawaii with it's mix of many cultures. Hoku says, "Other than my family and faith, nothing means more to me than music" and that she is serious about her music. Birth Name: Hoku Ho

MOONPOOLS AND CATERPILLARS - This LA group used to play many a night at the Whiskey-A-Gogo. Lead singer Kimi Ward Encarnacion is known for being a whirling energy blast on stage. Jay Jay Encarnacion gives Moonpools & Caterpillars their distinct guitar sounds, which vary from ethereal chorusing to large, wall of sound distortion. Bassist Tim DePala and drummer Gugut Salgado finish up the line-up as the rhythm section. Experience a good group from our past and other group APA music artists by clicking HERE.

EAR OF THE DRAGON - This was a nationwide tour featuring various Asian American groups and sponsored by Fortune 4 (which began as a record label --set up for the purpose of releasing the "Ear of the Dragon" compilation of Asian American bands). and A Magazine that allowed music artists such as aMinature, Seam and others play throughout the US! The "Ear of the Dragon" was made possible by the lengthy and acclaimed indie-rock career of Sooyoung Park. From his days as a college kid touring the circut with his band Bitch Magnet, Sooyoung shared the stage with - or met, or was noticed by - most every Asian American rocker out there. Check out these and other Asiasn Pacific American punk/ska groups at our Music Section.